Article written by-Gustavsen Callesen

Everyone has moments where they must question their plumbing system or the idea of rebuilding it. It's useful to be able to fix minor problems on our own, and it's great to know some general tips about plumbing maintenance. Read on to learn the answers to these questions so that you can handle plumbing problems yourself.

To winterize a house that will sit unused during the winter months, you must completely drain all of the pipes. After turning off the main water supply, let all of the water drain from the faucets, toilets, and water heater (turn off the gas). Add plumbing fitting of antifreeze to sinks and the tub to prevent water from freezing in the drain trap.

Don't pay a plumber until the job is completed. A plumber may require some money upfront, but it's wise to wait until the job is completely done before giving him the entire payment. Many things can happen between the stop and end of a job, so to be safe wait until you are satisfied with the completed work before paying.

Keep your bathtub drain running well by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain each month. Cover the drain with a plug or rag as you wait for the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda to happen in your pipes. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. Your pipes will soon be clear of accumulated hair and soap scum.

If your toilet is constantly developing moisture on the outside, you may want to consider turning up the heat in your bathroom. The biggest cause of "sweaty" toilets is cool and moist air. Believe it or not, this moisture could actually cause damage to your toilet, so it is crucial that you fix the problem.

If you have clogged pipes and thinking about using a pipe cleaner, one that is enzyme based is highly recommended. Enzyme based cleaners work by using natural bacteria that turns the sludge clogged in your pipes into a liquid, allowing it to flow down the drain with ease. Some of the finest cleaners are enzyme cleaners.

At least once a year remove the faucet aerator and clean the screens. This helps it properly function. The function of a faucet aerator is to allow for an even flow of water and to conserve water. Be sure to clean out the aerator and you'll notice a these things working.

If water backs up from one sink to another, it is because the lines are connected. http://derick1gayle.bloguetechno.com/Advice-On-Exactly-How-To-Do-Pipes-Right-32896886 of the branch line for one device might be higher than another, but most likely there is also a blockage in the branch line connecting the two devices as well. This blockage must be cleaned.

If water is backing up into multiple fixtures all over the house, it is no longer going to be effective for you to use chemicals or a small hand snake. This is evidence of a blockage in the main line, and you must contact a professional to take care of this problem for you.

Do not place items in the toilets that do not belong there. For example, if you are a female, do not throw away sanitary pads or tampons in your toilet. This could cause severe damage to your toilet that could require a plumber, or even worse, a whole new toilet!







If your sewer is backed up, there are things you can do to troubleshoot and clean, including renting equipment like a main line cable. However, often times this does not fully take care of the problem. A professional needs to assess the issue then, using a camera method, and thoroughly cleaning the main line.

Insulate your pipes properly. If the temperature drops below fifty five degrees, your pipes could freeze. This makes pipes extremely fragile and increases the risk of leaks and damages. The pipes inside your house should not freeze but take a look at a plan of your plumbing system to see if you have any pipes outside of your house.

If you are looking to get new piping in your home, try to stay away from copper ones. Copper tends to have problems, due to water and soil corrosion. It is also harder to install these kinds of pipes. Steel or lead pipes tend to offer the best quality and are the most durable.

If the water is not going into your dishwasher, the first thing you should do is shit off the water under the sink. Chances are that you have some kind of blockage, and keeping the water turned on could actually create a bigger problem. To fix the blockage, you may need to call a plumber.

When you are working with plumbing, you also need to have some basic skills in other areas. This is especially true of electrical problems, as the two systems often overlap. This doesn't mean that you need to solve the problems, but that you understand what the problems could be.

If the pipes have burst in an upstairs area, use a tool to perforate the ceiling underneath in several places and places pots and pans under to catch the water. If this is not done, the weight of the accumulating water could cause a collapse of the entire ceiling.

The water heater in your home needs to have regular flushing to its plumbing in order to work properly. There is usually a valve at the bottom of the water heater that a hose can be attached to. Connect a hose to this valve and open it up all the way to flush scale and deposits out of the system.

When replacing any PVC type pipes in your home, make sure you buy the correct PVC for the job. certified plumbing comes in several different sizes and grades as well as for different temperature applications. If the water going through the pipes is headed for the kitchen or bathroom, or is for laundry or gardening usage, it must be labeled as "Potable."

Every so often you should check your toilet for leaks. A good way to check for leaks would be to put food coloring, Kool-Aid, or even coffee in the tank, anything that will color the water will work. You should check your toilet bowl in a little bit, and if there is color in the bowl, your toilet is leaking and the stopper and/or flush valve may need changed.

Proper education prior to a problem arising is imperative. In addition, performing a small amount of routine maintenance could help stop any problems. Take care of all of your plumbing needs with the help of this article.